Act 4 of Winter's Tale runs 1,142 lines across 3 scenes, carrying about 34.0% of the play’s total dialogue with 12 named speakers. It’s longer than the play’s average act (672 lines).
Act opens (Scene 2, Polixenes): “I pray thee, good Camillo, be no more importunate:”
Act closes (Scene 4, Autolycus): “them: there may be matter in it.”
The 3 scenes of Act 4
Who speaks in Act 4
The leading voice is Autolycus with 24% of Act 4’s dialogue (273 lines).
| Character | Lines in act | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Autolycus ♂ | 273 | 23.9% |
| Florizel ♂ | 168 | 14.7% |
| Camillo ♂ | 146 | 12.8% |
| Polixenes ♂ | 134 | 11.7% |
| Perdita ♀ | 121 | 10.6% |
| Clown ♂ | 116 | 10.2% |
| Shepherd ♂ | 82 | 7.2% |
How Act 4 of Winter's Tale compares to other romances
| Play | Act 4 lines | Scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter's Tale (this act) | 1,142 | 3 |
| Cymbeline | 634 | 4 |
| Pericles, Prince of Tyre | 612 | 6 |
| The Tempest | 287 | 1 |
About Act 4 of Winter's Tale
How many lines are in Act 4 of Winter’s Tale?
1,142 lines spread across 3 scenes.
Who dominates Act 4?
Autolycus delivers 24% of the act’s dialogue (273 lines).